We think about healthy options when it comes to breakfast, lunch and dinner, but what about snacks? Snacks can be the most enjoyable part of our daily eating pattern, so balancing nutrition with flavor in-between meals is key.
David Sabgir, M.D., is a cardiologist, founder ofWalk with a Docand spokesperson forAvocados - Love One Today. With his expertise, we asked him about what his favorite snacks are to recommend to his patients.
Ali Redmond
When it comes to snacking, Sabgir is a fan: “My mouth is watering just thinking about the question because let’s face it, who doesn’t love snacking?” he tellsEatingWell. “Snack time can actually be a great way to incorporate nutrient-dense foods into our day, especially since a recent nationwide survey demonstrated that while 93% of Americans know that good nutrition is important, only half (50%) follow through with healthy eating four to seven days a week.So, finding ways to get in key nutrients throughout the day is important.”
Where can you start? Here are the top three heart-healthy snacks that are the doctor’s personal go-tos.
The Best Snacks for Heart Health, According to a Cardiologist
Hummus with Vegetables
There’s nothing like a crunchy snack with a creamy dip. A healthy swap for your typical chip-and-dip combo is a high-fiber alternative, like hummus and vegetables.
“Hummus is typically made with chickpeas or other beans or lentils, which contain fiber that can help lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol,” Sabgir explains. “Vegetables also contain fiber and beneficial vitamins and minerals.”
Pair ourClassic Hummusrecipe with chopped-up fresh veggies like carrots, bell peppers or cucumbers for a satisfying bite.
10 Hummus Recipes You’ll Want to Make Forever
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast can be a light breakfast or a healthy snack if you’re looking for something that can keep you satiated until your next meal. And Sabgir explains how this dish is especially good for your heart.
There are so many ways you can dress up avocado toast, from ourSalsa-Topped Avocado Toastto ourCaprese Avocado Toast.
9 of the Healthiest Whole Grains to Help You Eat More Fiber
Mixed Nuts with Dark Chocolate
Lastly, you may be surprised to see chocolate on this list, but dark chocolate paired with a handful of mixed nuts is equally delicious and nutritious.
“Nuts, like walnuts or almonds, offer unsaturated fats, and dark chocolate contains polyphenols, such as flavanols and catechins,” Sabgir explains. “Consumption of both good unsaturated fats and polyphenols have been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Alongside their heart-healthy properties, polyphenols also provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, shown in recent research published in the journalNutrition.Plus, nuts are a good source of plant-based protein, so this snack is healthy, filling and tasty. Have your snack prepped and ready with theseDark Chocolate Cashew ClustersorChocolate Nut Bark.
The 3 Best Fruits & Vegetables to Help Lower Cholesterol, According to a Cardiologist
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Avocados - Love One Today.Preparedness for a healthy life falls short of other major life events, new survey suggests why chronic diseases continue to plague Americans.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Avocados, raw, all commercial varieties.Zekrumah M, Begua P, Razak A, et. al.Role of dietary polyphenols in non-communicable chronic disease prevention, and interactions in food systems: An overview.Nutrition. 2023;112:112034. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2023.112034
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Avocados - Love One Today.Preparedness for a healthy life falls short of other major life events, new survey suggests why chronic diseases continue to plague Americans.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Avocados, raw, all commercial varieties.Zekrumah M, Begua P, Razak A, et. al.Role of dietary polyphenols in non-communicable chronic disease prevention, and interactions in food systems: An overview.Nutrition. 2023;112:112034. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2023.112034
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Avocados - Love One Today.Preparedness for a healthy life falls short of other major life events, new survey suggests why chronic diseases continue to plague Americans.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Avocados, raw, all commercial varieties.Zekrumah M, Begua P, Razak A, et. al.Role of dietary polyphenols in non-communicable chronic disease prevention, and interactions in food systems: An overview.Nutrition. 2023;112:112034. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2023.112034
Avocados - Love One Today.Preparedness for a healthy life falls short of other major life events, new survey suggests why chronic diseases continue to plague Americans.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Avocados, raw, all commercial varieties.
Zekrumah M, Begua P, Razak A, et. al.Role of dietary polyphenols in non-communicable chronic disease prevention, and interactions in food systems: An overview.Nutrition. 2023;112:112034. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2023.112034
